Court Acquits Man Accused of Killing LASTMA Officer in Lagos

An Ikeja High Court on Monday discharged and acquitted Ibrahim Yusuf, a 29-year-old man accused of killing a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer, Mr Olatunde Awotola.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala, in her ruling, stated that the prosecution had failed to prove the two charges of involuntary manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm against Yusuf.

The court held that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to support the charges.

The judge noted the absence of key evidence, including a lack of documentary proof from the sole prosecution witness and no record that the incident had been reported to the police.

“After considering the entire evidence, the prosecution failed to establish all ingredients of the offences. The defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted,” Justice Ogala declared.

The prosecution, led by State Counsel Mr Ola Azeez, presented one witness in the case, while Mr Bidemi Ademola-Bello served as defence counsel for Yusuf.

The prosecution had alleged that Yusuf attacked and fatally injured the LASTMA official on February 12, 2022, in Kosoko Ojodu, Lagos, during an attempt by the officer to arrest him for obstructing traffic.

According to the prosecution, Yusuf reportedly resisted the arrest, reached for a knife, and stabbed the officer in the head and neck before fleeing the scene, leaving his vehicle behind.

The alleged offences were said to have violated Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to substantiate its case, leading to Yusuf’s acquittal.